Jamie Ramsey gives you an all-access pass into the world of the Cincinnati Reds

BASE LINE ITEMS: 6/6

I’ve got some stuff for ya regarding this series vs the Chicago Cubs…

Don’t forget, Field Box tickets are $14 each and View Level seats are $7.50 each for this series. So, please find your way to Great American Ball Park over the next few days to help root on our Reds. Otherwise, we’re all going to be subjected to hearing Cubs fans take over “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch. Nobody wants that.

Also, it’s going to be hot the next three days. So if you’re coming to the ballpark, please stay hydrated. You’re encouraged to bring bottled water, caps, misting fans, sunscreen and to seek shade when possible. GABP first-aid stations will provide sunscreen, if you need it.

And here’s some information from Zach Bonkowski, who spent the weekend in Des Moines, IA competing with tens and tens of other competitors in the “World Championship of Thumb-Wrestling.”…

During pregame ceremonies tonight team mascot Mr. Redlegs will receive an honorary membership to the Queen City Beard & Moustache Society from group founder Adam Black. Reds pitcher Sam LeCure has also previously received an honorary membership to the society.

As part of the first “Dusty Days” event of the year at the ballpark we will be distributing 10,000 rally towels at the gates this evening. Also as part of that activity we will be welcoming a special group of kids involved in Reds Community Fund programs to the ballpark and they will participate in a pregame parade around the warning track as well as assist in forming the “Reds Run On Tunnel” for the players as they run onto the field tonight.

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The 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft begins tonight at 7pm ET. The Reds have the 27th overall pick. You can catch all the action at MLB.com/Draft.

Perhaps the Reds will have a draft similar to the one they did in 1983 when they selected Chris Sabo (2nd round), Joe Oliver (2nd round), Lenny Harris (5th round), Jeff Montgomery (9th round), Rob Dibble (first pick in the secondary phase) and Kurt Stillwell (1st round, eventually traded for Danny Jackson)?

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I’d like to personally thank Associated Premium Corporation for producing the all-new Better Off Red t-shirts.

The shirts aren’t for sale, but I’ll be giving you folks plenty of opportunities to win one, so stay tuned to BOR!

Below is my boss, Rob Butcher, modeling the new shirt after he ran yesterday to Indianapolis and back.

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You’ve got to check this outfrom one of my favorite new Reds blogs. Tina and Angie do a great a job and always keep it fresh and funny.

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Don’t forget to sign up for the Redlegs Run and join me and your other favorite Reds bloggers in the first-ever Blog Jog!

We’re going to have a lot of fun on Saturday, so I hope you can join us!

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Finally, I’d like to wish my good friend Jeff Ball a very happy 83rd birthday. Have a good one, ol’ buddy!

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